It is compulsory for each coursework master’s candidate to write a Minor Thesis under the supervision of a staff member from the School of Mathematical and Geospatial Sciences. The Minor Thesis is usually done during the final year of your candidature in the masters program. It is expected that you will have completed at least 65% of all electives in your program before embarking on your Minor Thesis.

Course Description

Your research topic can be selected from the following list of topics:

have a good command of the knowledge and skills pertinent to the topic area you have chosen;

summarize and communicate your results in correct English and present them in a manner which is consistent with the scientific conventions of Statistics/Operations Research;

possess the ability to critically survey the relevant literature and understand the relationship between your own work and that of others;

have clear research objectives and be able to pusue them methodically ; contribute to the knowledge of the subject.

Through an in depth study of a research topic, you will develop a good and comprehensive background in how to conduct research. The writing of the minor thesis would also prepared you for further work leading to higher degrees such as the PhD degree. The course will also prepare and train you in reading journal papers and research monographs.

Overview of Learning Activities

You will meet with your supervisor on a regular basis, initially to find a research topic and later to report progress. A considerable amount of time will be spent in the libraries searching for research materials. Since most theses contain a data analysis section, you will also be spending time in the computer laboratories analyzing data.

On completion of your research, you will produce a Minor Thesis. It is highly recommended that you write your thesis with the viewpoint that that the reader will have your general background , but without your specific familiarity with the topic. Your writing must be clear and concise, using correct English. If required, your supervisor may request that the thesis be read and revised by an English language expert prior to sending it off for examination.